Calgary's raccoon population quietly expands into city parks

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👀 In today's edition:

• Public opinion emerges on ongoing provincial dispute

• Downtown development program faces uncertain future

• Beloved Calgary tradition seeks new leadership

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QUICK POLL

Calgary's raccoon population quietly expands into city parks

Calgary's raccoon population is steadily growing, though the striped creatures remain far more elusive than their garbage-raiding relatives in Toronto. According to iNaturalist, a citizen science tracking website, more than half of Calgary's 37 reported raccoon observations have occurred between 2023 and 2025. Most sightings have been concentrated in Fish Creek Provincial Park and Weaselhead Flats rather than residential areas.

Wildlife biologist Sara Jordan-McLachlan told CBC News that raccoons have likely been breeding in Calgary for at least two decades and face different challenges than their eastern counterparts, including competition from coyotes and bobcats. "In places like Toronto, they're kind of the apex predator in the urban environment," she said. "But here, there's a lot of other competition."

Dr. Shelley Alexander, a University of Calgary wildlife expert, warned that the city's habitat makes conditions ideal for raccoons to flourish. "People get up in arms about coyotes but they are really simple to live with compared to something like a raccoon — a raccoon has little hands that can open your garage door and aid climbing walls," Alexander told the University of Calgary in 2023. She urged Calgarians to develop coexistence strategies now, before populations reach levels seen in other Canadian cities.

Need to know

🗳️ A new Angus Reid poll found that most Albertans surveyed sided with teachers over the provincial government in the contract dispute, citing concerns about classroom sizes and education management.

🚗 Four independent council candidates and Calgary firefighters called for the province to grant police stronger powers to immediately impound vehicles and suspend licenses of excessive speeders on Stoney Trail.

⛩️ Calgary completed a two-year restoration of the 107-year-old Chinese Cemetery in Erlton, with community volunteers helping to repair over 500 grave sites honouring early immigrants.

💼 Alberta teachers without paycheques during the strike turned to side businesses like custom clothing design, photography, and crocheting to help cover expenses.

🏢 Calgary election candidates were split over continuing tax-funded downtown office-to-residential conversions, with just over half supporting the program and others questioning private developer subsidies.

💡 The organizer of Calgary's Lions Festival of Lights warned the nearly four-decade-old holiday tradition may end after this year without someone to take over the volunteer effort.

🎭 Calgary's Puppet Power conference focused on immigration this year, exploring how puppetry can bridge cultural divides and help newcomers share stories across language barriers.

😴 Cooking When Fatigued (Everyday Meals Made Easier) Oct 29 - Learn strategies in the kitchen to support eating well, despite living with fatigue. (Free, in-person class led by AHS Registered Dietitian and Occupational Therapist)*

💪 Rebuilding Health: High Protein Cooking Class Oct 30 - Join dietitians to learn why protein is important for health, tricks for sneaking extra protein into foods and recipes for high protein snacks. (Free in-person class)*

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Heritage Park transforms into Halloween headquarters with new haunted experiences

Heritage Park is rolling out its most ambitious Halloween lineup yet, offering everything from kid-friendly festivities to spine-chilling haunted attractions throughout October. The historic village will host multiple themed events designed to appeal to different age groups and scare tolerances, with some experiences already expected to sell out quickly.

Families can enjoy the returning Ghouls' Night Out from October 23-26, featuring costume-friendly activities, craft stations, Halloween characters roaming the historical village, and a new marketplace showcasing local vendors. The event will also include appearances from Alberta Ghostbusters with movie props and live performances. For those seeking more intense thrills, Heritage Park has partnered with Haunted Calgary to debut The Unsettled Haunted Village, a choose-your-own-adventure style walkthrough in the Settlement area recommended for visitors aged 12 and older.

The park's most extreme offering comes in the form of The Unsettled Fright Nights, a standalone haunted attraction running on select evenings through early November. Communications and Marketing Manager Eirin Bernie said the venue has always been a place where history comes alive, and Halloween provides an opportunity to add an eerie dimension to those stories. Beyond the main events, Heritage Park is also hosting candlelit ghost tours, themed tea experiences, and an upcoming Ghosts & Gourmet dining event for those looking to celebrate the season in different ways.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Flavours Cuisine & Catering: Dive into authentic Nigerian cuisine with dishes like jollof rice, grilled tilapia, meat pies, and yam porridge, all made with fresh ingredients and available for dine-in, takeout, delivery, or catering for your special events.

🍴 Lil Empire Burger: Satisfy your burger cravings with California-inspired smash burgers made from locally sourced Alberta beef, alongside handmade hot dogs and fried chicken sandwiches, all served with craft beers and cocktails at multiple locations across the city.

Have a food or drink suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

Things to do

🎟️ Puptoberfest: Bring your four-legged friend to East Village's Crossroads for an afternoon celebrating dogs and fall, featuring a canine fashion show, live music, training demonstrations, and pup-friendly vendors and charities.

🎟️ Calgary Farmyard: Head to this family-run farm for autumn fun including pumpkin picking (with proceeds going to charity), corn mazes, a petting zoo, mini golf, giant slides, tractor rides, and classic county fair treats.

Have an event suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

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